Workers at a Llantrisant car parts factory have been told that it is to close, with the loss of 200 jobs, union leaders said today.

Workers at a Llantrisant car parts factory have been told that it is to close, with the loss of 200 jobs, union leaders said today.

Unite said that staff were told yesterday of Italian firm Sogefi’s plans to close the factory, and the start of a statutory 90-day consultation period.

The Italian based Sogefi company is a leading global supplier of original parts for the automotive industry, with over 30 years’ experience.

Pontypridd MP Owen Smith and his Pontypridd Assembly member Mick Antoniw contacted the firm last September over its proposals to make 190 of its 402 workers redundant.

The manufacturing operation has been on site since the 1970s, originally as Fram Filters.

Mr Antoniw said: “The announcement of redundancies and the closure of Sogefi, is a great disappointment.

“Myself and Owen Smith MP worked closely with the workers trades union Unite to build a future for the company over a year ago when a further wave of redundancies was announced.

“It had looked as though the company had turned the corner and was maintaining its order levels, but it seems this may not have been enough for the parent company to keep it open.

“I hope there might still be some future for the company in Llantrisant , but if that is not possible, it is important that reasonable redundancy terms are made available and that support is given to the workers in finding new jobs.

“I will be working with the Welsh Government to ensure everything is done to support the workers over the coming difficult months”

Unite, one of the largest unions in Wales, has said that the news that Sogefi is to close its factory in Llantrisant was a “total blow”.

Unite regional officer Andrea Jones said: “This news comes as a total blow to our members at Sogefi as they have recently gone back onto full time hours following a troubled period last year that saw half the workforce being made redundant and the remainder being put on short time working.

“The factory has long played a vital role in the area so the announcement of further job losses – and so close to Christmas – is not simply bad news for those working at Sogefi but for the local community as a whole.

“Our priority now is to ensure the best possible future options, support and compensation for our members at Sogefi as we enter the consultation period. ”

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